Germany sends clear message to Bobi Wine in letter to Museveni ahead of swearing-in ceremony

National Unity Platform (NUP) leader Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine can now count Germany off the list of allies expected to slap sanctions against government security officials.

On May 10, Germany Federal Chancellor Angela Markel sent her congratulations to Museveni on his re-election and on his inauguration for a sixth successive elective five-year term at the end of which he will have led Uganda for four decades.

The Germany embassy in Kampala conveyed Chancellor Markel’s congratulatory message to Museveni.

On the relationship between Markel and Museveni, the embassy said “Germany’s Federal Chancellor Angela Merkel and Uganda’s President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni have known each other for quite some time,” before sharing a photo the two took in Berlin in 2007.

The embassy also made it clear that the message was “on the occasion of Mr. Museveni’s reelection as President in January 2021 and ahead of the swearing-in ceremony this week.”

The message means that Germany, a key EU member, recognizes Museveni as the duly elected president of Uganda.

For Bobi Wine, Germany now joins France in rejecting calls for sanctions, at least at the top; leaving some members of the EU Parliament (MEPs) lobbying for the regional bloc’s sanctions against Kampala.

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Markel has prayed for strength for Museveni in his new term, pledged Germany’s commitment to continue working with Uganda in consolidating economic and democratic gains.

Germany Federal Chancellor Angela Markel congratulatory message to Museveni on re-election and inauguration

“Dear Mr. President, I would like to congratulate you on your reelection as President of the Republic of Uganda.

Your new term in office is an opportunity to continue advancing the democratic and economic development of your country and strengthening the rule of law in the interests of all Ugandans.

Germany remains a willing partner to your country as you continue down this path.

I wish you strength and a sure hand for the tasks that now lie ahead.

Yours sincerely, Dr. Angela Merkel. Federal Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany.”